Backtracking Forward: The Last Groove
posted in: Features
There are so many rewarding attributes about collecting, buying and selling records, and each one of those activities has positively impacted my life. Reflecting back to my early years of digging and discovery, it was the local vinyl shop in my hometown that reeled me into this crazy world I now call home. I was 15 when I first walked into that brick and mortar building of platters to buy the inaugural LP for my collection and was drawn to the music and the desire to collect something new besides comic books. My weekly, then daily, presence there after school was not only because there were thousands of records to flip through and just not enough time before dinner”it was the atmosphere the vinyl shop exuded. From the intoxicating smell of old used records to the endless knowledge and stories from the devoted owner, I was attracted to and accepted into a way of life where one ear’s became the most important sense.
In my professional opinion, hitting the streets and digging for records is the most gratifying hobby and profession. Though my statement may be a bit jaded, there is much truth in those words. Unlike more niche collectibles like playing cards, coins, stamps, guns, and scarce memorabilia, everyone and their grandma had a record collection”it just takes a little creativity, hustling and determination to find them. Though I know I am eating my words here, forget going to a record shop and spending all your money on good records”go hit the streets! Prepare yourself for a world of breathing in decades-old dust and mold, meeting strange and amazing people, going on wild goose chases, fearing for your life and unearthing treasures can be common practices. In the end, you come home with a fresh stack of hand-picked gems, knowing one record will more than cover all the expenses occurred when sold while the rest of the stash equates a free way to support your collecting addiction.
My intimate relationship with vinyl and the record store is one of the many reasons I established the Highland Park Record Sale. Now more than ever is the perfect time to start a record collection. Despite the heavyweights and veterans of vinyl that come to my sale, there have been an equal number of people who bought their first record from my garage. Conversations that ensued revealed most people always wanted to start listening to vinyl but were either intimidated or confused on where to start. But as with anything in life, you just have to dive in head first. Really the most important thing you need is a good turntable. The second thing is a friendly and comfortable place to browse and buy records. Though I know the readers of this blog encompass a global plain and not just New Jersey, I extend an open invitation to everyone to come and hang out in my garage where vinyl albums outnumber people by a few thousand. We’ve got limitless stacks of records in all genres, award-winning customer service (yes, I can give myself awards!!), cold beer, hot coffee and two people who will talk your ears off about music and vinyl for hours. Come empty-handed because you will be leaving with stacks of wax.
Interested in checking things out? Join the HRPS Facebook Page and get all the details.
But enough about platters because “Backtracking Forward” is being put on the back burner for the time being. You might ask yourself, How can this be Gregorious? Where will we get our weekly fix of music recommendations? Fear not faithful reader! Since you are here, you have already discovered the OurStage Blog” a space where many talented and educated writers are waxing and raving about the amazing performers found on OurStage.com. When I was brought on board to write this column, I had no idea how deep the roots of the OS archive traveled and was bowled over upon discovering the endless amounts of incredible blues, funk, soul, jazz and reggae music being uploaded to the Web site. There are umpteen numbers of music social-networking communities to choose from but, really, no one else provides the information, eclecticism, competition and atmosphere that OS gives its users. Thanks OurStage for giving me a space to spread some knowledge through the written word and thanks to all of you for listening to what I had to say.
Before I go though, remember this one piece of advice: Your local dollar store sells the best round white stickers for pricing records. The name brand ones leave a sticky residue on LP covers but the generics come off easily.
No, for real now. I can’t have those be my last words. Let’s try again. Never judge an LP by its cover when digging for records. Some of my favorite albums have the most unassuming and unattractive covers and ones I thought would be mind-blowing turned out to be duds.
Or how about this” What are you waiting for??!! Buy your first record today!